This week, I want to talk about stroke signs and
symptoms. Again, it is a little
different than what has previously been written on my blog but I feel it is SO
important and SO necessary to make people aware about this—the CDC reports that
strokes are the leading cause of death in the US and nearly 130,000 people in
the US die every year because of a stroke (1 in 19 deaths). Strokes are a medical emergency! Not only is it the leading cause of death,
but strokes can cause severe disabilities in people: weakness or paralysis,
cognitive issues, speech impediments, difficulty walking, etc.
The American Stroke Association, a branch of the AHA, has
come out with an acronym called FAST which helps people in remembering and
recognizing symptoms of a stroke.
·
F- facial drooping: often times a victim
experiences one-sided weakness which can be manifested through facial
drooping. If you suspect facial
drooping, ask the victim to smile. Their
smile will be lopsided.
·
A- arm weakness: again, this is a result of one-sided
weakness. Ask the victim to raise both
arms in front of them. If one is unable to raise or is held lower than the
other, this is a sign of stroke.
·
S- speech difficulty: ask the victim to
talk. They may say nonsensical things, are
unable to communicate clearly, or have slurred speech.
·
T- Time is brain! If any of these signs
manifest, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Outside of the acronym FAST, other signs may be evident:
numbness or weakness of the leg, confusion, sudden blurred vision or blindness
in one or both eyes, trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance and sudden
severe headache, often called “the worst headache of my life.”
If you or your loved ones are ever confronted with any of
these signs or symptoms, do not hesitate to contact emergency medical
services. Quick recognition and
identification of a stroke can save someone’s life!
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